Simon Fuller suing 'The X Factor' US

'American Idol' boss Simon Fuller is suing the US version of 'The X Factor' claiming he should have an executive producer credit

'American Idol' boss Simon Fuller is suing the US version of 'The X Factor'.

The Media mogul today (20.07.11) launched legal action against the Fox television network– which makes both shows – claiming he should have an executive producer credit and fees from 'The X Factor', which is set to launch later this year.

'The X Factor' was set up by Simon Cowell - who is also the show's head judge – and follows a similar format to 'American Idol', which Cowell also used to be part of.

Fuller's lawsuit is against Fox and production company FremantleMedia North America, who are creating the programme.

Both shows originated in the UK, where the 'The X Factor' launched in 2004, prompting a lawsuit from Fuller, who said it was too similar to his 'Pop Idol' show.

This was settled out of court in exchange for ten per cent of the programme's earnings, an executive producer credit and the terms that Cowell did not launch 'The X Factor' in the US for five years. It is the terms of this agreement which have prompted the fresh legal action.

Fuller's spokesperson said: "Mr Fuller has prudently attempted to settle this matter privately but the other parties have refused to honour the original contract leaving him no other choice but to pursue legal action."

However, FremantleMedia North America deny he has any involvement or right to a credit on the show.

A spokesperson for the company said: "His suit seeks payment and credit as an executive producer despite his neither having been approved by the required parties, nor hired as such. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and we expect to prevail."